When she was growing up in Farmington Hills, Melanie Guyette, like many people, used to get frustrated when construction zones delayed her travel, or infrastructure repairs became an inconvenience.

Now, after more than a year working with the Farmington Hills Department of Public Works, Guyette has a much clearer understanding of why that happens.

Guyette is completing her first week as an engineering and construction inspector with the DPW, following a year interning in the engineering department.

“This is an aspect of the city I never saw,” said Guyette, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University. “When you’re younger and you’re driving around, you kind of complain about the construction. Now, being a part of the process out here, you see it from a different perspective.”

It isn’t necessarily the career path she thought she’d take while she was in school. Guyette, who majored in environmental science (with a minor in geology), figured she’d like to work for the Department of Natural Resources, maybe for the parks or wildlife/fisheries department.

But she started an internship in the Farmington Hills engineering department last year, and when that ended earlier this spring, she inquired about possible part-time employment somewhere in the city.

She moved to the DPW, then was moved into her current position. Her job, she said, is observing and inspecting construction projects to ensure compliance with city standards.

It’s been quite a week for Guyette. Her last day in DPW was Wednesday, May 4, and on Thursday, May 5, she graduated from Wayne State. She started her new job Monday.

“They said they don’t usually put someone out here so quickly ... Right now, it’s a little overwhelming,” Guyette said. “But it’s nice knowing the engineering team is there to help.”

The best thing about the job, she said, is not having to sit behind a desk. She gets outside, where the action is.

“I’ve always been interested in the outdoors,” Guyette said. “The environment has always been a passion of mine.”

Guyette’s efforts, and those of her fellow DPW staffers, are being honored this week for work officials call “vital to the efficient operation” of systems such as the water supply, sanitary sewers, roadways, public buildings and properties, signage, traffic control, solid waste collection and recycling.

It’s part of National Public Works Week, which the city is honoring May 15-21 in accordance with the American Public Works Association. This year’s theme, "Public Works Always There," emphasizes how communities depend on public works, and the men and women of the profession are always there and always ready.

The week was originally instituted by the APWA in 1960 to call attention to the importance of Public Works in the daily lives of present and future generations.

“National Public Works Week gives the citizens of Farmington Hills a good reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the excellent public services we have here in our City,” said Mayor Ken Massey. “Our dedicated professionals in the Public Services Department contribute greatly to our daily comfort and our high quality of life.”